Preparing for the Personality Test (Interview) !

The results of JKPSC CCE (JKAS) Mains have been declared yesterday. Have been receiving quite a few queries regarding how to prepare for Personality Test (PT) for JKAS. So, sharing this piece: (My Perspective) 

 

First of all, congratulations to all those who have qualified for the PT stage. You are one step closer to your goal. But, for those who unfortunately couldn't qualify, Don't lose heart. Its natural to feel bad/low or dejected at this stage. But you must also realise that its just another competitive exam. If you are planning to appear again, then relax for sometime, take a short break to rejuvenate yourself, then continue with preparations. But, in case you don't have chances left or don't want to continue with this exam, then its equally fine. Look for other opportunities. You will find many (which are even better than this). 

First Thing First: My PT Score:

1. 173 in UPSC CSE 2019; 

2. 183.75 in JKPSC CCE 2020.

As mostly said, Interview (PT) is not the test of your knowledge but personality because Knowledge has been tested in Pre & Mains stage. However, I would rephrase it : "Interview is not just the test of your knowledge but overall personality as well, because knowledge itself is a major component of one's personality".

Your, knowledge will shape your views and perspective towards topics/issues.

So, getting onto the things: How to prepare for the Interview?

👉 Detailed Application Form (DAF):  The one most important thing you must focus upon while preparing for the Personality Test  is your DAF. Since the Mains Result has been declared yesterday, therefore, you should expect that you will be given the window to fill up your DAF within a next few days. 

   👉  What to fill in DAF/How to fill DAF: 

        As the name itself suggests, it is a "DETAILED" Application Form wherein you shall be required to fill in your basic details like Name, Gender, Parentage, Hometown, Address, Qualification (right from High School), Hobbies/Interests etc. (To know the difference click the link: Hobbies vs Interests).

So the most important thing you must be prepared about are the above mentioned basic details about YOURSELF. More often than not, the interview starts from the panelist(s) asking you to introduce yourself, So you must be well prepared about this question. It doesn't give a good impression if you don't know about yourself, your Name (meaning/some famous personality, any major incidence with a person of your name etc.), Hometown, Your parents (Name, Qualification, Profession/Occupation, etc.) School/College/University, Your hobbies and interests etc.

Next, the DAF shall comprise of other details like Any previous attempts at Civil Services, Serving (Employed or Unemployed), DoB/Age, Category, Your optional subject, Co-curricular/Extra-curricular Activities, Any special achievements (prizes/medals won) etc.

So, basically, you must be thoroughly prepared about each and every aspect of your DAF.

The way you will answer the initial questions will determine counter-questions and the direction of the major part of your personality test.

NOTE: Don't try to write those things in your DAF which will make it difficult for you to have answers to. (Don't Bluff about hobbies/interests just to make your DAF look impressive. It will be counter-productive). Infact don't bluff about anything. The more you are truthful the easier it will be for you to answer/respond, the more confident you will be and the better your personality would appear.

                👉 Interview preparation is not very much different from the Mains stage as you will be reading the same content (except latest Current Affairs) to enrich your knowledge base. So, refer to the same study material as you have been until now. Only difference will be the approach towards reading/studying. 

For interview specifically, I believe, we should follow the 5Ws and How approach, that is, What, When, Why, Where, How, & Way Forward. The answer to the first four will be the facts/information you know about a particular issue, while the response to 'How' and 'Way Forward' will be based on the perspective you have developed based on the particular facts of the case. 

For example, take the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Firstly, you need to know the facts of the case, that is, What the issue is- (Who are the actors involved/sections affected)?, Where (which places) the battles have been occurring (geo-spatial/map based location of the sites/cities), Why and How the present situation has arisen, and the Way Forward in your opinion (Here you can elaborate upon your own perspective, our Nation's stand as well as the stand taken by major actors worldwide). I believe you would be clear by now that answering this question (comprehensively & satisfactorily) requires good knowledge of Polity, International Relations, Geography, History, Economy, Ethics, Security issues, S&T and what not ! So, basically, the way you answer a question of this sort, will reflect upon your knowledge and understanding of these subjects along-with the manner and confidence in which you respond will further determine the impression you leave on the board and ultimately the marks you will score. Remember, your confidence will be proportional to the degree of practice and your knowledge base.

👉 As I said earlier, more often than not the first question will be Tell us about Yourself/Introduce Yourself ! In this case, the Chairperson's (Board's) aim is to make you comfortable than really knowing about you (as they have the DAF filled by you in front of them). This is the opportunity you need to grab by both hands. So, you must prepare an answer which is concise, to the point.

 

But, sometimes the interview might also start from some other question which you haven't expected like  any random question. This has happened with some people known to me. (So be mentally prepared for such situations as well).

To sum up:

1. Fill the DAF carefully. Be truthful and don't try to exaggerate things.
2. Practise as much as possible. Try to answer basic questions by standing in front of  mirror, observe yourself, observe the short-comings, Strengths and Weaknesses and work upon them. You can also video-record your responses and check again. Trust me, it is the most difficult but helpful thing (asking questions from oneself and answering them, recording them and seeing again).
3. Practise the basic questions thoroughly, like your hobbies/interests, your Strengths & Weaknesses, your Graduation subject, your optional subject, Current events related to them, Why Civil Services (Why do you want to become a Civil Servant) ? Why not something else? Your opinions on contentious issues etc.
4. Read at least two Newspapers: One National (The Hindu/Indian Express) and One State, preferably Daily Excelsior.
5.  Appear in some Mock Interviews- they are helpful. Try to appear in around 3-4 Mocks (Note-down the feedbacks, but with a pinch of salt). Don't overdo Mocks, they can be counter-productive as well. 3-4 Mocks in different institutes/panels are sufficient.
6. Don't become over-confident if you get very positive/over-the-sky feedbacks in Mocks  nor become under-confident/depressed/pessimistic in case of some negative feedbacks. Try to remain calm, composed and balanced till the day of your interview come what may!
7. Never try to bluff during the interview. Be mindful of the fact that the panelists sitting in front of you are at-least two generations older than you, more experienced and knowledgeable. It won't be difficult for them to know if you are bluffing. And they won't appreciate you being dishonest/arrogant/over-confident. At the same time they will appreciate humility, truthfulness, honesty and a balanced personality.
8. Take good care of your health, it is essential to remain fit so that your preparation is not compromised.
9. Don't stress yourself much. After all its just another exam. You have already qualified two stages. Prepare accordingly. 
10. Take care about your physical personality as well- the dress you will be wearing should be formal and sober. (Ideally Suit with tie for Men and Suits without Tie, or Saree/Other formal dress for Women). The idea is to look dynamic, confident but a pleasing personality.

These are some indicative guidelines that I could think of based on my own experience. Feel free to ask any doubts/queries in the comment section. In concluding remarks I will suggest you to keep in mind the traits that are identifiable in a good leader/officer/civil-servant. Work upon them but without compromising on your original self. Don't fake things.  Remember, personality test is more about assessing the suitability of a candidate towards being a Civil Servant, a good Officer. 

And last but not the least, remember that though PT is an important stage but your cumulative marks in Mains+PT will be determining your actual result (success) in the examination and your name in the final list.

Best Wishes !